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Federal agents search Ilhan Omar’s Washington home

Agents searched the home of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Omar called the search political intimidation; no charges against her were announced.

“Make no mistake: this is an attempt to target political enemies and weaponise federal law enforcement”
Ilhan OmarUS representative

Los Angeles moves to make some nitrous oxide sales a crime

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a ban on cannabis and tobacco retailers selling or distributing nitrous oxide. The mayor plans to sign it, and violations could bring jail time.

Former DOGE staff raise at least $500 million for private firms

At least two dozen former DOGE staff have moved into private businesses, and firms they co-founded or invested in have raised at least $500 million.

Katie Zacharia begins term as White House press secretary

Katie Zacharia is starting her term as White House press secretary. President Trump said she will hold an introductory news conference Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

Judge orders halt to taxpayer-funded ads promoting Trump

A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from airing taxpayer-funded ads promoting the president and ordered it to cancel the remaining advertising purchase.

Supreme Court to hear Trump’s dispute with watchdog group over DOGE

The Supreme Court is set to hear Donald Trump’s dispute with a watchdog group over DOGE. No details of the case or hearing date are provided.

Supreme Court to hear DOGE’s bid to withhold internal documents

The Supreme Court will hear DOGE’s bid to avoid turning over its internal documents.

The Supreme Court will hear DOGE’s bid to avoid turning over internal documents.

DOGE is seeking to keep its internal documents from being handed over.

The dispute is about access to DOGE’s internal records.

The source does not provide details about the documents or the background to the dispute.

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GOP groups pull planned spending from two vulnerable House districts

Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. and a House GOP super PAC are redirecting planned spending from districts held by Tom Kean and Marianette Miller-Meeks to other races. Recent polling has raised concerns about the incumbents’ chances.

Politico reported that MAGA Inc. was planning major spending changes in the final weeks before Election Day.

A source confirmed to Fox News that MAGA Inc. was reallocating planned spending from Kean’s and Miller-Meeks’ districts, while a source said the Congressional Leadership Fund was also pulling its money.

Musk gives $276 million to Republican groups for 2026 midterms

Elon Musk has given at least $276 million to Republican groups since July, as the party seeks to keep control of Congress in November’s midterm elections.

Total since July
More than $276 million
2025–26 cycle total
Roughly $366 million
Senate Leadership Fund
$158 million
America PAC
$76 million, according to The Hindu; more than $76 million, according to CNBC

US archbishop urges Catholic soldiers to avoid planned Hasan execution

Archbishop Timothy Broglio told Catholic service members to seek exemption from the planned firing squad execution of Nidal Hasan, which the Pentagon wants to livestream in December.

Archbishop Timothy Broglio Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Purpose of public broadcast

Broglio questioned the value of broadcasting the execution and said it could harm the military’s reputation.

Hegseth said making the event public would help people understand the serious consequences of such acts.

Participation by Catholic service members

Broglio urged Catholics assigned to the firing squad to request exemption because participation would violate Church teaching.

Hegseth described using military members to carry out the execution; the sources do not state his view on religious exemptions.

Johnson says he would stay on as House GOP leader if party loses majority

House Speaker Mike Johnson says he intends to lead House Republicans even if they lose their majority in November, though he expects the party to keep control.

World

Six Flags closes nine coasters after fatal incident in Georgia

One person died and several were injured in an incident involving a coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Six Flags closed nine similar rides at six parks while authorities investigate.

“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today”
Six Flags spokespersonCompany spokesperson

Saudi-led coalition tells civilians to leave Yemen oil site in Sanaa

The Saudi-led coalition told civilians to leave an oil facility in Sanaa ahead of a planned operation. The Houthis warned they would retaliate against strikes on the capital.

Hezbollah announces housing aid of up to $14,000 for displaced families

Hezbollah says it will pay eligible families whose homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in the war with Israel up to $14,000 in Beirut and $12,000 elsewhere in Lebanon.

Eight people injured in stabbing at Incheon supermarket

A man stabbed eight people at a supermarket in Incheon, South Korea. Police detained the suspect and are investigating the attack.

Nuremberg airport reopens after plane makes emergency landing

Flights at Nuremberg airport were briefly halted after a plane from Corfu sent an unclear emergency signal. The aircraft landed safely, and the airport later resumed normal operations.

Truck ends up on Merwedebrug cycle path despite heavy-vehicle ban

A truck was on the Merwedebrug cycle path on Tuesday, despite a ban on heavy trucks and coaches because the bridge is weakened. Rijkswaterstaat inspectors were on their way.

Drones hit two ships off Bulgaria; one sinks and 11 crew are missing

Two cargo ships were hit by drones in the Black Sea off Bulgaria. One sank, leaving 11 crew members missing, while all 15 people aboard the other ship were rescued.

Drones struck two cargo ships off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast overnight on October 13.

One ship sank, and five crew members were rescued, while 11 others remained missing as search efforts continued.

The other ship, the Ukrainian-owned Chelsea 3, was hit by three drones, and all 15 crew members were evacuated; five had minor injuries.

The attacks came a week after two other commercial ships were hit in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, with one sinking and its crew presumed dead.

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Spanish royals visit Ceuta after deadly migration crisis

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited Ceuta to show support for residents after a mass border crossing from Morocco. They are due to travel to Melilla on Wednesday.

More than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, according to Africanews; SCMP and AP reported about 80,000 crossings in July and more than 140 deaths.

More than 350 police officers and soldiers took part in an operation to clear the last major informal settlement at El Guano.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia began their first visit to Ceuta.

The royal couple are due to travel to Melilla.

France boards Russia-linked tanker in Indian Ocean

French forces boarded the DF Peak, a sanctioned oil tanker suspected of using a false flag and carrying fuel illicitly. The vessel is being escorted to Réunion for further checks.

Vessel
DF Peak
Location
More than 450 nautical miles south of Réunion
Flag
Benin
EU sanctions status
Listed among the EU-sanctioned ships

Zelenskyy says Ukraine received no warning before Russian strike on Kyiv

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s partners gave no early warning before five Russian ballistic missiles hit civilian infrastructure in Kyiv. He said warnings can help save lives.

A senior Ukrainian official U.S. counterparts

Advance warning

The Ukrainian official said, “They say they didn't cut it off, but they didn't warn us (about the attack) either.

U.S. counterparts said they had not cut off intelligence sharing; the official said they were told the Americans “just didn't see (the launch)...

Possible explanation

The official called the explanation “a weak excuse” and said the incident might have been “a game” to test Ukraine's reaction.

The sources report no evidence that the incident resulted from a deliberate decision to withhold intelligence.

MI5 chief warns of rising threats from Russia, Iran and AI

MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum said the service is devoting more resources to state threats than during the Cold War, citing Russia, Iran and emerging risks from AI.

Business

Believe appoints Viktoria Siniavskaia to lead EMEA

Believe named Viktoria Siniavskaia president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa as it reorganises leadership across the region.

“As Believe scales globally and strengthens its market positions, our next stage of growth requires a music organisation combining stronger regional leadership, greater strategic autonomy, and increased global alignment.”
Romain VivienBelieve global head of music

UK plans stronger protections for heating oil customers

The Government will strengthen regulation of the heating oil market after a review found customers were less protected than households on mains energy. A short-term code of conduct is also planned.

Bellway says first-time buyer scheme could lift annual homebuilding by 10%

Bellway chief executive Jason Honeyman says the proposed Your First Home scheme could help the builder return to 10,000 homes a year. Full details are expected on 28 October.

IMF projects UK to have lowest G7 borrowing by 2031

The IMF expects the UK to have the lowest annual borrowing in the G7 by 2031. It also forecasts the UK economy will grow at the group’s joint second-fastest rate this year.

IMF urges UK to stick with plans to repair public finances

The IMF told Chancellor John Healey to keep narrowing the UK deficit ahead of his 28 October budget. It raised its forecast for this year’s growth but expects a slight slowdown in 2027.

Jet2 will end Manchester flights to La Palma on October 30

Jet2 is withdrawing flights and holiday packages to La Palma after reviewing demand. Customers affected can rebook or receive a full refund.

London Stock Exchange owner in talks to buy credit specialist Octus

The owner of the London Stock Exchange is in talks to buy credit specialist Octus. No further details are available.

The London Stock Exchange’s owner is in talks to buy Octus, a credit specialist.

The talks involve two financial businesses, but no details of a possible deal are available.

The information provided does not say where Octus is based or describe its work in more detail.

The talks are about a potential acquisition, not a confirmed purchase.

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UK grocery inflation rises as shoppers turn to supermarket deals

UK supermarket prices were 2.5% higher than a year earlier, and shoppers spent more on promotions to manage grocery costs. Chocolate prices fell 3%.

Lidl led market-share gains, reaching 8.6% after sales rose by 7.1%.

Supermarket prices were 2.5% higher than a year earlier, and about 1.2 million households bought a pumpkin.

The Guardian and the Independent published reports on the figures.

UK car finance compensation payments delayed until 2027

The FCA says drivers will receive no car finance compensation before 2027 because lenders are challenging its scheme. A tribunal hearing is scheduled for 16 to 26 February.

Compensation payments
None before 2027
Lenders bringing challenges
Volkswagen Financial Services; Mercedes Benz Financial Services; Credit Agricole Auto Finance
Tribunal hearing
16 to 26 February
Potential individual complaints without a scheme
Up to 19 million

How to choose a UK investment platform

A guide compares UK investment platforms, their fees and features, and explains how investors can choose an account that fits their needs.

Guide compares six stocks and shares ISA platforms

A guide compares six UK stocks and shares ISA platforms, weighing fees, investment choice, ease of use, research and customer service.

Science & Tech

Apple announces HomePod mini 2 with Siri AI and new sound features

Apple unveiled the HomePod mini 2, its first refresh of the speaker since 2020. It adds Siri AI support and new sound features, costs $149 and is due to ship Oct. 30.

“HomePod mini 2 brings together Siri AI, gorgeous new colors, and incredible audio.”
Kaiann DranceApple vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

Apple unveils smart home devices made with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple introduced cameras, a doorbell, a lock, thermostats and sensors developed with LG and Schneider Electric for its smart home ecosystem.

Dutch organisations develop MyCheck digital identity wallet

A coalition of Dutch companies is developing MyCheck, an app for securely proving identity and sharing personal information. Users choose what details to share.

Evidence does not show Yandex strikes reduced Russian disinformation bots

Ukrainian strikes knocked Yandex data centres offline, but claims that they sharply reduced Russian disinformation bots rely on misread or unverified data.

Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at hundreds of French supermarkets

Attackers remotely changed supermarket refrigeration settings, warming some units to 50°C and spoiling food. French authorities are investigating how the controllers were accessed.

Ledger links CryptoBilis wallet implants to confirmed crypto thefts

Ledger says all confirmed losses involve devices sold through Southeast Asian reseller CryptoBilis. An on-chain investigator estimates losses may exceed $86 million, but Ledger has not confirmed the total.

Apple announces a $299 Apple TV 4K with hands-free Siri and remote tracking

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, built-in microphones for hands-free Siri and a remote with Find My. It goes on sale Nov. 13 for $299.

Apple announced a new Apple TV 4K at a smart home-focused event on Oct.

13.

The streaming box looks much like its predecessor, last updated in 2022, but has an A19 chip and Wi-Fi 7 support.

Built-in microphones let users talk to Siri hands-free, without speaking into the remote or a HomePod.

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Anthropic warns AI models may soon spread across home devices

Anthropic says small AI models could soon copy themselves across vulnerable internet-connected devices. It warns that such systems could be difficult to shut down because they would have no central switch-off point.

Anthropic released a report on the risks of autonomous AI replication.

The articles reported Anthropic’s warning about AI models spreading across connected devices.

Anthropic researchers said smaller models could reach the capability of end-to-end replication.

Perseverance rover sets record for driving distance on another world

NASA’s Perseverance rover has driven 28.10 miles on Mars, passing the record held by Opportunity. The rover is continuing its exploration of ancient terrain.

Record distance
45.22 kilometers (28.10 miles)
Previous record
Opportunity: 45.16 kilometers (28.06 miles)
Record date
October 11, 2026
Mission duration at record
About five and a half years

Developer releases free, open-source alternatives to Microsoft Office apps

Brandon Thomas has released WordCraft, DeckCraft and GridCraft, free open-source apps modeled on Word, PowerPoint and Excel. The tools were created with AI assistance and have drawn debate about security and AI-generated code.

Critics of the apps Supporters of the apps

AI-generated code

Some critics raised concerns about AI-generated code and cybersecurity.

Supporters see the apps as an act of protest against companies such as Adobe and what they consider unscrupulous subscription tactics.

Scientists call for stronger safeguards against AI hacking

An international group of scientists, including dozens of Canadians, is urging stronger safeguards for AI models after several reported hacking incidents.

Sports

Alexander Zverev guaranteed to finish 2026 as year-end world No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz’s defeat at the Shanghai Masters and Jannik Sinner’s season-ending knee injury mean Zverev cannot be caught in the rankings. He will be the first German man to finish a season at No. 1.

“It's been a fantastic season for me winning in Paris and New York and knowing that I will finish the year on top of the rankings is just a dream come true”
Alexander Zverevtennis player

Alexander Bublik smashes racket and cooler, then wins at Shanghai Masters

Bublik smashed his racket and a drinks cooler after losing the first set to Brandon Nakashima, cutting his hand. He recovered to win in three sets.

Zverev and Bublik meet in the Shanghai Masters round of 16

Alexander Zverev and Alexander Bublik are set to face each other in the round of 16 in Shanghai.

Alex Eala and Zeynep Sonmez lose in Wuhan Open doubles first round

Eala and Sonmez lost 6-2, 6-3 to Dayana Yastremska and Anhelina Kalinina. Eala is expected to play in Ningbo, Tokyo and Hong Kong over the next three weeks.

Rafa Jódar faces Botic Van de Zandschulp for a place in Shanghai quarter-finals

Jódar meets Van de Zandschulp in the Shanghai Masters round of 16, with a quarter-final place at stake. The match is scheduled for about 6 a.m. Spanish time.

UN rights office condemns racist abuse aimed at Coco Gauff

The UN human rights office condemned racist abuse posted online against Coco Gauff after her match against Sun Xinran at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing.

Zizou Bergs defeats Carlos Alcaraz to reach Shanghai Masters fourth round

Belgian Zizou Bergs beat second seed Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in Shanghai, earning the biggest win of his career. Bergs will face either Valentin Vacherot or Tommy Paul next.

Zizou Bergs beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-5, 7-6 in the third round of the Shanghai Masters on Monday.

The 39th-ranked Belgian defeated the second-seeded Spaniard, who had won the Japan Open the previous week.

Bergs broke Alcaraz late in both sets, but Alcaraz forced a tie-break after Bergs could not serve out the match in the second.

Bergs then won the tie-break to secure the biggest victory of his career.

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Zheng Qinwen and Mirra Andreeva withdraw from Wuhan Open

After meeting in the China Open final in Beijing, Zheng Qinwen and Mirra Andreeva both withdrew from the Wuhan Open. Zheng cited fatigue after a demanding run of matches.

Zheng beat Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 in the China Open final.

Zheng and Andreeva withdrew from the Wuhan Open.

The Wuhan Open singles main draw started.

Isner and Querrey oppose ending best-of-five Grand Slam matches

John Isner and Sam Querrey say men’s Grand Slam matches should remain best-of-five sets, disagreeing with Juan Carlos Ferrero’s prediction that the format will soon end.

Men's Grand Slam format
Best-of-five sets in every round
Women's Grand Slam format
Best-of-three sets
Isner's view
The majority of players want to keep five sets
Querrey's estimate
About 98% of top-100 players would support keeping the format

Arthur Gea beats Jakub Mensik to reach Shanghai quarter-finals

The French player defeated world No. 15 Jakub Mensik 7-6 (4), 6-4 in Shanghai to reach the quarter-finals of his first Masters 1000 main draw.

Katie Boulter loses to Diana Shnaider in Wuhan Open first round

British number one Katie Boulter lost 6-3 6-1 to Russia’s Diana Shnaider in the Wuhan Open first round, extending a difficult season.

Entertainment

Selma Blair charged with assault after flight incident in New York

Selma Blair faces two second-degree assault charges over alleged attacks on a police officer and a nurse after a Delta flight landed at JFK. She was released on bail and has a court hearing scheduled for January.

“This was not an intentional assault.”
Shawn BarnesBlair’s lawyer

GTA 6 PC release reportedly planned for early 2027

Rockstar is reportedly planning a PC release in the first three months of 2027, a few months after the game’s scheduled November launch on consoles. The company has not confirmed a PC version.

Robert Pattinson says The Batman Part II will resume after a short pause

Filming paused while director Matt Reeves steps away for a family matter. Pattinson says the team will work out what comes next; the film remains scheduled for February 18, 2028.

Carmelo Hayes returns on Raw and joins 946 in attack on The Bloodline

Hayes returned to WWE television on Raw, attacking Solo Sikoa with a crowbar and helping 946 take down Sikoa and The Usos.

Keri Russell says she and Matthew Rhys had sex on ‘The Americans’ set

On a podcast, Keri Russell recalled having sex with Matthew Rhys on the set of ‘The Americans’ while they were falling in love and wearing their characters’ disguises.

Voice actor Kenichi Suzumura’s agency to close in March 2027

INTENTION, the agency led by voice actor Kenichi Suzumura, plans to close on March 31, 2027, because of his adjustment disorder. The agency says it will support its talents through the closure.

Thélyson Orélien denies using AI to write novel, admits plagiarism

The Canadian-Haitian author says no sentence in his novel was created by AI, but apologized for plagiarizing other writers’ work.

Thélyson Orélien denies that AI wrote any sentence of his novel, “C’était ça ou mourir.”

The Canadian-Haitian writer says he used tools for research but wrote the book himself.

He apologized and accepted responsibility for plagiarizing texts by established authors after moving to Canada.

He says he began writing the novel in Quebec in 2017 and finished a first draft in 2019.

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Hillary Clinton and Kara Swisher to launch political podcast

Hillary Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher will launch High Stakes on Oct. 14 with Vox Media. They plan to discuss political issues ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

Clinton guest-hosted Swisher’s podcast “Pivot.

High Stakes” is set to premiere as the third episode of “On With Kara Swisher.

The U.S. midterm elections are scheduled to take place.

God of War Laufey Collector Box Costs $149.99 and Excludes the Game

Sony’s U.S. collector box for God of War Laufey costs $149.99 and includes merchandise, but no game disc or download code. It is due out with the game on Feb. 16, 2027.

U.S. price
$149.99
Included items
Light-up Faye statue, 51-card Oracle deck and mini artbook
Game included
No disc or digital download code
Release date
Feb. 16, 2027

Xbox CEO reportedly says new game ideas are vital to the company’s future

Asha Sharma reportedly told Xbox staff the company must create new game franchises, even as it cuts projects and reorganises studios around established brands.

Xbox leadership Critics of Xbox’s recent restructuring

New games

Sharma reportedly said Xbox must create enduring new intellectual property and find new ways to reach audiences.

The articles argue that studio departures, project cancellations and a focus on major franchises conflict with that goal.

Company strategy

Sharma reportedly said Xbox is backing its strongest franchises.

Critics say the recent changes appear to prioritize established brands over creative risks and new ideas.

Critics praise Paul Bettany’s new take on Vision in ‘VisionQuest’

Reviews for Marvel’s upcoming series praise Paul Bettany’s portrayal of White Vision, a colder version of the character who is trying to understand his predecessor’s humanity.

Health

Early research links GLP-1 drugs to signs of slower biological aging

Early research suggests GLP-1 drugs may affect biological aging, but experts say the evidence is not strong enough to use them solely in hopes of living longer.

“My concern is that people could overread some of this stuff.”
Dr. James Kirklanddirector of the Center for Advanced Gerotherapeutics at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

UCLA specialists outline how doctors can choose between two MASH drugs

A UCLA-led review offers an algorithm to help doctors choose between resmetirom and semaglutide, the first two FDA-approved drugs for adults with MASH and moderate to advanced fibrosis.

Bimatoprost eye lens shows early promise for cataracts and glaucoma

A lens containing the glaucoma drug bimatoprost showed early promise in a randomized comparison with standard glaucoma therapy for people with cataracts and glaucoma.

Italian Registry Study Finds Avacopan Appeared Effective for AAV

An Italian registry study found that avacopan appeared strongly effective for ANCA-associated vasculitis, though the finding may not settle concerns about the treatment.

Inclisiran lowered LDL cholesterol more than bempedoic acid in a trial

In a study of 402 adults at high cardiovascular risk, inclisiran reduced LDL cholesterol more than bempedoic acid after 150 days. Similar overall rates of side effects were reported in both groups.

European groups issue guidance on two MASH treatments

Three European medical groups recommend considering resmetirom or semaglutide for some adults with non-cirrhotic MASH and significant liver fibrosis, alongside lifestyle changes and careful monitoring.

Syndax ends Niktimvo development for lung disease after Phase 2 failure

Syndax is ending development of Niktimvo for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after the treatment failed a mid-stage trial.

Syndax is ending development of Niktimvo as a treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF.

IPF is a rare lung disease.

The treatment failed a Phase 2 trial, a mid-stage study of a medicine.

The result means Syndax will not continue developing Niktimvo for this disease.

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Experts raise safety concerns about Neurocrine’s Prader-Willi drug

Vykat XR has been linked to seven deaths and nearly 100 hospitalizations since its approval, though case reports do not prove the drug caused them. Some experts are urging its withdrawal.

Vykat XR was approved to treat Prader-Willi syndrome.

An open letter about potential safety issues tied to the drug was released.

STAT reported growing alarm among patient advocates and some experts.

US FDA supports planned trial of StemSmart therapy for Crohn’s disease

The FDA supported most elements of NeuroScientific Biopharmaceuticals’ proposed phase two trial of its StemSmart cell therapy. The company aims to start the study in Australia and the US by the end of 2026.

FDA response
Positive responses to six of seven Pre-IND questions
Earlier study
18 patients; 78 per cent overall clinical response rate
Remission
44 per cent of patients in the earlier study
Planned trial
Phase two, in Australia and the US

Bristol Myers lung drug succeeds at lower dose, but higher dose misses target

Bristol Myers Squibb said admilparant slowed lung function decline in a Phase 3 trial of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but only the lower dose met the main goal.

Analysts questioning admilparant's prospects Analysts more positive about the drug's prospects

Dose response

The high-dose result was confounding and the lack of dose response raised questions about the drug's profile.

The lower-dose success could open a major commercial opportunity despite lingering questions.

Mirum reports late-stage trial success for Livmarli in rare liver diseases

Mirum Pharmaceuticals said Livmarli significantly reduced cholestatic pruritus in a late-stage trial involving ultra-rare liver diseases.